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Are parents the real problem in enforcing a school phone ban?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 20 Nov 2025, 11:25am
Photo / Getty | File
Photo / Getty | File

Are parents the real problem in enforcing a school phone ban?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 20 Nov 2025, 11:25am

Students getting around a school phone ban could be chatting with family members. 

An Education Review Office report shows three-quarters of secondary school teachers believe the ban has improved student behaviour. 

But nearly half of students admit to using their phones in class, likely because family members were getting in touch. 

Whangaparāoa College Principal Steve McCracken told Ryan Bridge most schools have other systems in place for families to contact students during the day. 

He says the report shows parents want to connect with their kids, but they're setting them up to fail if they contravene the ban. 

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